Frequently Asked Questions

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We currently have capacity to accept and upcycle new and gently used: branded & unbranded BACKPACKS in all quantities.

Have BULK items that deserve a second life? Give us a call and share your ideas. Your innovative thinking can help us expand the ways we support our communities. 

We see ourselves as complementing, rather than competing with, traditional thrift stores like Goodwill. Our mission is unique: we focus on repurposing corporate promotional items—such as branded apparel and accessories—that often go unused. These items represent a significant, yet frequently overlooked, category of goods that don't always find their second life through conventional donation centers.

While thrift stores play a crucial role in the circular economy by giving a wide range of items a new lease on life, our approach specifically targets the untapped potential of corporate swag. This focus stems from our observation that these items, despite their quality and utility, often remain unsold in thrift stores and risk ending up in landfills.

By redirecting these goods from your closet to those in need, Swag Upcycle ensures they serve a meaningful purpose without detracting from the valuable work of traditional donation centers. Our goal is to add to the ecosystem of reuse and recycling, providing a specialized solution that benefits communities and the environment alike. 

Swag Upcycle is committed to supporting your corporate sustainability initiatives and enhancing team cohesion through our comprehensive in-office collection program. Our services extend beyond logistical support and promotional materials; we specialize in team-building facilitation, engaging speaking engagements, and bespoke consultations on innovative sustainability practices. This multifaceted approach is designed to align with your company's commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

We typically partner with HR teams and People leaders to tailor our programs to your organization's specific goals, offering a unique opportunity to unite your team around a meaningful cause. Our collaboration can help foster a culture of sustainability and inclusiveness, providing valuable insights into best practices that resonate with your company's values.

By incorporating team-building activities, we not only facilitate the practical aspects of upcycling donations but also create memorable experiences that reinforce team bonds and company values. Our speaking engagements offer insights and inspiration, highlighting the importance of sustainability and the impactful difference your company can make through concerted efforts.

Swag Upcycle’s team experiences are not only about fostering team building and sustainability but also ensuring your project is a resounding success with minimal effort on your part. Here's how we make it happen:

1. Start by Engaging Key Departments: Whether it's HR, CSR, DEI, Marketing, Wellness, or Sustainability, get your team onboard for a meaningful local upcycling project.
2. Work with a Dedicated Upcycle Consultant: Upon contacting us, you'll be paired with an experienced consultant who will guide you through organizing and executing a unique team-building experience. This includes handling distribution upon project completion, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
3. Collection Made Easy: Gather your team's unused promotional items and leave the logistics to us. Our professional facilitators, available both in-person and virtually, will tailor the program to meet your team's goals and capacity, making the process effortless.

Measurable Results that Speak to Leadership: Beyond the immediate benefits of team engagement and sustainability, our program delivers measurable results that resonate with executive leaders. By participating in our upcycling projects, companies see tangible improvements in employee morale, brand image, and community impact—key metrics that justify the investment. Our consultation services include strategies to track and report these outcomes, providing clear evidence of the program's value and return on investment, addressing the value concerns your executive stakeholders care about most.

Swag Upcycle’s approach ensures your project not only achieves its goals but also provides quantifiable success that supports executive decision-making and budget allocation.

Swag Upcycle provides a unique form of support for those impacted by unexpected layoffs or other challenging life events. By encouraging the donation of swag of the past, we facilitate a process of letting go that offers more than just emotional relief; it transforms a personal setback into an opportunity for generosity. Donating these items stimuklates the most important step in turning reminders of the past, into a powerful tool for helping others. Serving as aid for those in need and fostering personal growth for the donor by enableing forard momentum.